PLANNING FOR NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORT (NMT) IN MIXED-LANDUSE AND MIXED-TRAFFIC URBAN AREAS

Abstract

A non-motorized mode of transportation (NMT) involves mainly walking, cycling, and rickshaws. Their carbon footprints are small, their energy consumption is low, and their local emissions are zero. Furthermore, they are not dependent on fossil fuels, making them more affordable than motorised transport`. NMT plays a significant role in the lives of low income households in India. Additionally, active transportation such as walking, and cycling has numerous health benefits. Despite this, NMT is far too often overlooked as a means of mobility in favour of capital-intensive modes of transportation. The design of most Indian cities is compact, with high population densities and mixed land use - ideal factors for the influence of NMT as a form of mobility for short trips and as a feeder to other modes of transportation. In addition to offering environmental benefits, NMT offers a holistic range of benefits to both individuals and cities. Health, equity, a cleaner environment, poverty reduction, safer roads, liveable cities, and equal opportunities for all regardless of socio-economic background are among these. A large majority of trips in Indian cities, especially those less than 4 km in length, are made by walking and cycling. Conventional planning approaches have focused on the movement of vehicles rather than people. In addition to promoting healthy lifestyles and economic independence, NMT modes are environmentally friendly. In addition to improving social equity, they also make it easier for people from all economic backgrounds to get around. Although this has been true, pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles have largely been devalued in Indian cities. Transport planners should pay special attention to NMT in realigning their planning priorities. Due to the high prevalence share of modes, planning for NMT is both economically reasonable and contributes to social equity by improving access to jobs and housing. Aside from this, NMT modes are entirely non-polluting, thus helping to reduce the environmental impact of city life. The purpose of the report is to find the critical factors that are involved in the planning of non-motorized transport and perform a comparison of Germany and India based on the factors identified in the literature review. Both the cases are mixed land use and mixed land use conditions.